Child Specialist

High grade fever due to unknown cause is known as Pyrexia of Unknown Origin (PUO). These days high grade fever in children is very common.  According to Dr Mubina Agboatwalla-child specialist in Karachi , every high grade fever is not dengue. It can be a bacterial throat infection, chest infection, due to diarrhea, urinary tract infection, Malaria, Typhoid. However, do not self treat and diagnose yourself. Go to a doctor. Based on history and investigations diagnosis will be made. Self treatment is not advisible.  Common investigations include blood CBC, ICT Malaria, Blood Culture, Urine D/R and Culture. ESR, Dengue NS1 among others. Ultrasound may be ordered if necessary.  People generally tend to use broad spectrum antibiotics like Cefixime. Do not use antibiotics without consultation.

  Q 1. What are febrile fits ?? Ans 1. Febrile fits happen in some children when the fever becomes very high. They generally start when the temperature starts to rise and occurs in children under 5 years of age. The fits occur for a few seconds. The child does not lose consciousness and generally there no frothing from the mouth. The febrile fits can reoccur in some children if the temperature rises again. Q 2. What is the treatment and prevention of febrile fits ?? Ans 2. Febrile fits are generally harmless and do not affect the neurological status of the child. They generally do not require any treatment and anti convulsants need not be given. Prevention is the best cure. In such children, every effort should be made to prevent the fever from rising. AS soon as the child develops fever anti pyretics should be given together with tepid sponging. Febrile fits do not occur after 5 years of age. Website Link - http://www.drmubinaagboatwalla.com/